“Rio Ferdinand returned to competitive action in the Reserves’ Manchester Senior Cup clash with Oldham Athletic.

The defender, who was denied the chance to captain England in the summer’s World Cup by knee ligament damage, completed 45 minutes at Bower Fold, and showed no ill-effects during his return.

Ferdinand was largely untroubled during his outing, and left the fray at half-time with the game goalless. Second half goals from Nicky Ajose and Kiko Macheda secured a 2-1 win for United, while Rio watched on from the stands.

In a further boost to Sir Alex Ferguson’s senior squad, Brazilian midfielder Anderson completed 90 minutes in his own ongoing return from knee ligament damage.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who manages United’s Reserves, thinks Rio is ready to return to the first team:

“There was no problem whatsoever,” Solskjaer said about Ferdinand after the match. “It was always planned that he would play 45 minutes. I am not sure he needs any more games. Rio is a naturally fit lad. Today was about distances and getting tighter to the ball.

“Now he is available for selection again. Rio is always the same player, it is a while since he has played but he was still calm. He has got through an important 45 minutes, straight after two very hard training sessions on Tuesday and the day before so we are delighted with him.”

All good news for Fergie. And Anderson even got home in one piece after the match.

I wonder if the return to fitness of Anderson was a factor in United’s decision to drop out of the race to sign Van der Vaart? Or is it simply that United don’t have the cash? Perhaps a bit of both. Whatever, Anderson still has a lot to prove at Old Trafford.